The trading and champagne house based in
Aÿ in the
Champagne region was founded in 1584 by winemaker Pierre Gosset. At that time, he mainly produced still wines. Two areas were competing for the favour of the royal table at the time, namely Aÿ and Beaune in Burgundy, much further south. Eventually, Gosset gained the privilege of serving wines at the table of the French King
Henry IV (1553-1610). When the triumph of
champagne began in the 18th century, it was also produced by the Gosset family from then on. The company remained in the family for 14 generations and celebrated its 425th anniversary in 2009. In 1994, Gosset was taken over by Cointreau, also the owner of the Frapin cognac domain, among others. The family-owned company is managed by Jean Pierre Cointreau.
There are no vineyards of their own, the grapes are supplied by long-term contract vintners. They come exclusively from Grand Cru and Premier Cru sites in the Montagne de Reims, the Côte des Blancs and the Grande Vallée de la Marne. The grapes must have an average classification of 95% (see
Échelle des crus). For the cuvées, cellar master Jean Pierre Mareigner relies primarily on fresh and acidic Chardonnay wines and on a high proportion of Pinot Noir, which adds body and ageability. In contrast to many other producers,
malolactic fermentation is completely dispensed with, as a low acidity is deliberately not desired and this is positive for the fine bubbles.
The wines are kept on the lees for an average of five years, and after
disgorgement they are stored for at least three months and up to one year before they go on sale. The standard cuvée is called "Grande Reserve". The
cuvée de prestige called "CELEBRIS" is available as Blancs de Blancs, Rosé and Vintage. The premium qualities CELEBRIS, Millésimes, Grand Rosé and Grande Réserve are bottled exclusively in the traditional antique bottle, which is a replica of the bottle shape already used in the 18th century. Every year, the prestigious CELEBRIS prize is awarded to restaurants with the best champagne menu. About one million bottles of Gosset champagne are produced annually.
